IT HAS been a bumpy ride for motorists since December's freezing weather left roads pitted with potholes.

Whitstable biker and toy run organiser Steve Stubbs said: "I've taken my motorbike off the road for the winter and have been using a mountain bike to get around the town instead.

Swalecliffe: Potholes in St John's Road GIAC20110120B-019_C
Westgate Terrace: Biker Steve Stubbs near Whitstable's Gorrell Tank car park GIAC20110120B-005_C
Whitstable : Potholes around wt area - - High street whitstable
Whitstable : Potholes around wt area - - High street whitstable

"I buckled a wheel on a pothole before Christmas and the holes have got worse since then.

"They are dangerous for motorbikes, but I'm more concerned about cyclists and older people."

He has highlighted the zebra crossing in Whitstable High Street between the Jobcentre and Specsavers as a danger spot.

Mr Stubbs, of Westgate Terrace, said: "I was walking across it behind an elderly lady and she tripped and started to fall. I caught her and stopped her hurting herself.

"There is a hole right in the middle of the zebra crossing and it's very dangerous for elderly people walking with sticks. It should be fixed as a priority."

County councillor for Whitstable Mike Harrison admitted: "Some of the roads are pretty awful but the pedestrian crossing really worries me. I cannot understand why remedial work hasn't been carried out.

"Whitstable has been very lucky with the amount of money spent on its roads but these recent problems stem from work carried out last year before the county council began its new regime.

"Northwood Road was repaired properly and that has been absolutely fine. I don't want to knock Kent Highways because they are working hard but we seem to have been overlooked."

KCC launched a month-long blitz on potholes last week with local engineering firms teaming up with Kent Highway Services gangs in a £1 million drive to fix dangerous potholes.

KCC leader Paul Carter said: "We are investing this money wisely now to reduce what would be a bigger bill further down the road and to minimise the problems potholes can cause for drivers in Kent."

Last year the county council received 3,500 claims from motorists who had their cars damaged by potholes – three times more than the year before.

So far KCC has settled 269 claims and paid out nearly £50,000.

According to AA Insurance the average insurance claim for pothole damage is just over £1,300.

Have you seen a bigger pothole? Call Julia Collins on 01843 578167 or e-mail julia.collins@KRNmedia.co.uk